Malnutrition in South Africa: some thoughts on the problem.

With special reference to pellagra and kwahiorkor, malnutirtion in South Africa is discussed in relation to the depth in which it is necessary to study malnutrition before action programmes are instituted; the time lag between research and adequate programmes for action; the importance of taking cultural factors into account in health education and in other applications of research; the importance of dealing with nutritional problems holistically and the limits of the researcher's responsibility. Suggestions regarding the responsibilities of various groups that should be involved in eradicating malnutrition are made.